Technical Project Manager III

Job Description

The Technical Project Manager III will stay informed on projects within assigned team and ensure best practices are used across the functional team, mentoring and developing project managers and associate project managers in their work. This individual manages projects from inception through completion within WGU's IT Project Management Team. The Technical Project Manager III monitors and reports project status-including risks, issues affecting project schedules, and milestone achievements-to stakeholders and leadership. The individual develops project plans and schedules and ensures projects meet departmental requirements, standards, policies, and deadlines. The Technical Project Manager III is expected to keep fully informed of departmental strategies and priorities and effectively influence the work of project team members in line with those priorities.

Job Duties

• Ensures high quality project delivery, on time, on scope, and on budget.
• Manages all phases of assigned projects (i.e., initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing).
• Works with Program Managers, Product Managers, Technical Leads, and key stakeholders to gain SME level understanding and knowledge of the domain where the program and projects reside to facilitate discussion concerning platforms, components, software applications, technologies, and security measures.
• Performs thorough research and analysis to ensure the most effective technologies and methods are employed. Clearly communicates constraints, conflicts, requirements, compatibility issues, and items which could affect project outcome, final performance level, or customer satisfaction. Offers appropriate alternatives and contingency plans.
• Identifies scope of project and develops documents outlining key project objectives, goals, plans, requirements, proposals, estimates, schedules, and budgets. Makes presentations, submits requests, and gains necessary approvals. Ensures estimates of time, cost, performance level, and materials are accurate and meet project requirements. Makes modifications to plans and schedules as necessary.
• Works with program management to assemble a project team, make work assignments, and effectively direct and coordinate activities. Provides necessary training on project objectives, processes, and details.
• Successfully monitors, documents, and presents project status concerning milestones and delivery deadlines.
• Communicates progress to appropriate stakeholders, program manager, and project sponsors.
• Effectively documents, manages, obtains approvals for, and communicates changes and decisions.
• Maintains accurate and complete records during the development process. Ensures related oral and electronic communications regarding project requirements, design changes, problems, solutions, etc. are securely maintained and readily available for review.
• Sets up and coordinates effective post-sprint and user testing to effectively evaluate and document delivery and system performance, fulfillment of project requirements, and elimination of bugs. Ensures test plans are well-documented, relevant to application, and in compliance with policies and procedures. Analyzes test results, identifies problems and conflicts, and provides solutions. Ensures problems are resolved quickly and effectively. Repeats testing as needed.
• Coordinates and manages creation of related documentation. Ensures accurate technical information is gathered and disseminated to technical writers. Ensures final documents are thoroughly reviewed, accurate, complete, and user friendly.
• Monitors contracts and manages project budgets. Approves pay requests and change orders.
• Understands departmental strategic priorities and influences the actions and work efforts of team members in line to those priorities.
• Provides input to Project Management Office (PMO) manager to develop or refine project management procedures and processes for the purpose of improving efficiency.
• Provides thought leadership, mentorship, and training support to project managers and associate project managers.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KSAs

• Excellent leadership and project management skills
• Skilled at creating Work Breakdown Structures, project plans and timelines, understanding scope, and identifying key milestones in the delivery.
• Ability to work well individually and in a team environment
• Ability to build consensus, influence, and motivate others
• Possesses strong oral and written communications skills
• Solid technical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to plan the project activities and meet schedules
• Ability to use all related computer equipment and applications
• Strong knowledge of development cycles and standards
• Thorough understanding of technology applications, processes, software, and equipment
• Understanding of planning and development of large-scale technology projects
• Knowledge of effective project management techniques and methods
• Thorough knowledge of agile methods and how they apply to project management
• Excellent change management skills (such as ProSci training)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, Management, or a related field
• 5 years of experience in Project Management, specifically in a technology environment
• Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of project management
• Project Management Professional (Project+, PMP, Prince2) Certification
• Experience in technology and/or higher education
• Experience with Agile development